Cardiff Council has recently revealed ambitious plans to expand Ysgol Mynydd Bychan in Gabalfa, making it a two-form entry school and increasing its capacity by 228 pupils. This expansion is part of a broader reorganisation of primary schools in the Cathays and Gabalfa areas, with the school set to move to a new and refurbished site at the current Allensbank Primary School from September 2025.
Ysgol Mynydd Bychan has historically been considered one of the most sought-after Welsh-medium primary schools in Cardiff, having rejected 12 applications last year. The increase in capacity will take the school from 192 to 420 places, including an expansion of nursery provision from 64 to 96 places. The school will transition from 0.9 to two-form entry, facilitating its growth to accommodate more students.
Additionally, as part of the reorganisation, Allensbank and Gladstone schools will merge to form Fairoak Primary School, a two-form entry English-medium primary school. This move aims to optimise resources and create a more sustainable educational landscape in the area. St. Monica’s Church in Wales Primary School will relocate to the current Ysgol Mynydd Bychan site as part of these changes.
The decision to expand Ysgol Mynydd Bychan aligns with Cardiff Council’s commitment to promoting Welsh-medium education and nurturing bilingualism in the city. The council’s investment in expanding Welsh-medium education aims to support the Welsh Government’s target of achieving one million Welsh speakers by 2050. This move underscores Cardiff’s dedication to fostering a truly bilingual environment for its residents.
Councillor Sarah Merry, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, highlighted the significance of this expansion in meeting the increasing demand for Welsh-medium education. The newly appointed Headteacher of Ysgol Mynydd Bychan, Mrs. Glesni Lloyd, emphasised the school’s role in promoting the benefits of Welsh-medium education and fostering multilingualism among students.
As the community prepares for these changes, parents continue to advocate for a new Welsh-medium secondary school in Cardiff. Concerns have been raised about the accessibility of existing secondary schools, particularly for residents in the southern part of the city. This ongoing dialogue reflects the broader discussion around educational provision in Cardiff and the need for inclusive and comprehensive schooling options.
The development at Ysgol Mynydd Bychan signifies a pivotal moment for Welsh-medium education in Cardiff, as the city strives to enhance educational opportunities and language provision for its diverse population. By expanding school capacity and reorganising primary school structures, Cardiff Council is taking proactive steps to ensure that Welsh-language education remains a cornerstone of the city’s educational landscape.